USDA BEGINS FIELD TRIAL FOR GEESE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's National Wildlife Research Center announced that it will begin field trials of a new product designed to humanely reduce resident Canada goose populations in the northwest United States.

The new technology, produced in collaboration with scientists at Innolytics, LLC, reduces nonmigratory or resident Canada goose populations by decreasing hatchling numbers.

APHIS will conduct these trials by providing a treated bait to geese to prevent eggs from hatching. The baiting method and bait design limit exposure to nontarget avian species.The effects are fully reversible and are not harmful to geese, birds or other waterfowl.

Research shows that large populations of resident, nonmigratory geese pose increased risks to agriculture, and health risks to humans and animals. Infectious organisms transmitted by geese include E. Coli and Salmonella bacteria.

“Following more than four years of research with this technology, we are delighted to initiate these trials,” says Kathleen Fagerstone, director of product development at NWRC.NWRC and organizations such as Innolytics work together to develop humane and nonlethal solutions to diminish wildlife conflicts,” Fagerstone said.

APHIS' NWRC is devoted to the resolution of conflict caused by the interaction of wild animals and society. The center applies scientific expertise to the development of practical methods to resolve these problems and to maintain the quality of the environments shared with wildlife.